Showing posts with label O'Rielly Chevrolet Tucson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label O'Rielly Chevrolet Tucson. Show all posts

Monday, January 13, 2020

GM Authority Celebrates 2021 Chevy Silverado Carhartt Edition With Live Photo Gallery

When special editions for a vehicle are released, everyone here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson would have to agree that it presents a great opportunity to reflect on greatness and longstanding pride. The Chevy Silverado is one of those trucks that greatness and excellence are descriptive of, and a longstanding partnership with Carhartt immediately made sense. This production-ready special edition truck delivers on a concept that debuted at the 2016 SEMA Show and revels in a flair that this ultra-cool work apparel company shared a vision and ultimate venture with.

The folks on staff at GM Authority put up this cool gallery showing highlights of the unveiling, and you can get a close-up digital walk around this special edition that is based on the Silverado 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab model. It comes with the optional Z71 Off-Road Package and is offered only in Mosaic Black Metallic paint, which is the perfect choice to blend with the Carhartt gold pinstripes. The traditionally huge grille up front is all black, and so are the front and rear body-colored bumpers. There is Carhartt badging on the doors and tailgate, as well as exclusive two-tone leather upholstery finished in a Jet Black/Carhartt Brown combo inside.
The headrests have Carhartt badging embroidered into them, and the footwells are lined by-all-weather floor mats sporting the Carhartt logos. A special leather treatment was created just for this edition, creating the unique two-tone seats for the truck. This Dearborn, Michigan-based brand has long been a popular staple in the work wear realm, and on scores of construction sites and railroad hubs nationwide. The family-managed and owned company has been at the forefront of developing rugged and reliable work wear since 1889. When the concept vehicle was first shown at SEMA, the exciting response from consumers exceeded the expectation of both Chevy and Carhartt.

This top-notch apparel company so popular among carpenters, mechanics, and road crews will now be hailed in a special partnership as the “Official Workwear of Chevy Trucks”, as Chevy employees will be proudly sporting Carhartt apparel during numerous events over the years to come. Both brands have more than 100 years of history rooted in the Motor City, and both brands have a reputation for always delivering the best in durable and quality products.
Carhartt’s first product ever was the bib overall, which was an immediate success. These are
both brands that are focused on creating products that are practical, ready for inclement
weather, and built to last for years: we couldn’t be more excited about this very cool special edition, and the many miles diehard fans can’t wait to put on it!

Monday, January 6, 2020

GM Authority Provides 2021 Chevy Suburban Dimensional Details

Alongside its close cousin the Tahoe, the 2021 Chevy Suburban was revealed to the public early last month. The next-generation Suburban included increases to the exterior dimensions as well as big gains to interior dimensions as well. All of us here on sales and service staff at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson agree that for the most part, this is what is asked daily of a 3-row SUV: space for people and their cargo. The knowledgeable folks on staff at GM Authority had a great blog feature this past week honing in on the exact dimensions and positive changes made for the new model.

Taking a close look at the exterior, the new Suburban adds inches in almost every single way possible. The wheelbase sees a massive 4.1-inch increase, now up to 134.1 inches. This is mostly due to the presence of the new T1 platform, which replaces the k2 platform on the outgoing model. Overall length saw a gain of 1.3 inches, width by 0.6 inches, and the overall height was increased by 1.3 inches. Only two exterior dimensions saw shrinkage: the front and rear track by 0.2 inches and 0.4 inches.

Second and third-row legroom both saw increases of 2.3 inches and 2.2 inches while first-row shoulder room is up by 1.45 inches, and third-row shoulder room up by 1.15 inches. The first and third-row hip room sees a positive gain as well, at an additional 0.2 and 0.7 inches each. Passengers and drivers alike that have been choosing the Suburban for years know that once you start traveling long distance, every single gain is noticed during miles of really wanting to sprawl out and be comfortable. The second-row hip room is down by just a very small amount, losing just 0.05 inches. This article truthfully claims that cargo room is king in this segment, and the 2021 Suburban does show increases behind every row.
The feature here also offers up some great interior and exterior photos of the incoming Suburban, as well as detailed tables of all the size changes. Behind the grille of the Chevy sit active shutters that can be adjusted to improve aerodynamics, ultimately boosting fuel economy. Taking a step forward from past layouts, the cabin is now styled more like an upscale SUV than the Silverado truck.
The center dash now houses a 10-inch screen that boasts features such as WiFi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. On the 2021 model, the push-button controls for the transmission are now directly to the left of the screen. Beyond room, the seats actually will see more adjustability, as the second-row can now slide forward and be adjusted for comfort as well as cargo storage.

Monday, December 23, 2019

Chevy Equinox Deemed by Forbes as Finish-Line Achiever in Style, Functionality, and Price

The seasonal countdown is truly here now at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson, and we are coming up “true decision” time for gift-buying! We know full well that a new SUV is not just a tiny little stocking-stuffer but sure is appropriate for someone who has just started a family or moved up the ladder at work. Dale Buss of Forbes Magazine proclaimed in his review of the Chevy Equinox this week that the hit SUV “addresses a tempting sweet spot for Americans at the intersection of style, functionality, and price”, and we couldn't agree more.

With the latest Equinox version that has been around since the 2018 model year, the SUV is now positioned snugly between the Trax subcompact and recently revamped Chevy Traverse 3-row SUV. Sporting both a new exterior and interior, the Equinox has now shed more than 400 pounds compared to the second-generation model that was on sale from 2010 to 2017. At 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, this is a much better-than-average fuel economy, which in every instance makes a car ideal as a daily driver.

Engine options are the base 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, and the more powerful 252-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that provides more responsive acceleration and is the more popular option. The Forbes team attested that the Equinox proves to be very sure-footed even on very winding roads, and ultimately gives the driver a high confidence level in every routine situation. Infotainment features have seen themselves moving up the list in terms of what consumers want: staying informed and entertained comes in the form of many options for 2020. Standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Also available are options to upgrade to the larger 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The Equinox was always made to be a vehicle that anyone on a budget was going to rank highly, but still be very satisfied with. Make sure when you see us here for a holiday visit that you check out the offerings of the Equinox Premier Trim: this is where you get to enjoy all-wheel-drive, ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control.
Highlights for the 2021 Equinox include an all-new front-end, which will see some similarities with the Blazer and Trailblazer crossovers and is also expected to boast a brand new two-tiered headlamp design. One of the best things we could have heard in the form of a holiday treat was that rumors of a very high-performance Equinox variant have been making the rounds on the internet, although we just need a bit more solid evidence to confirm development!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Motor Trend Provides 2021 Suburban First Look: Improved Suspension, More Space


The very massive 3-row SUV that has been an active nameplate for 85 years and counting is going to see major improvements for the 2021 model year, and Motor Trend took a close-up look this week at just how awesome and commanding it will be! It will go on sale next spring right here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson and will be riding on the same new architecture as the Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD pickups, as well as the 2021 Chevy Tahoe.
Vice president of global product programs Tim Herrick claimed that this is the biggest product program ever completed and that it was unprecedented in size, scope, and amount of capital leveraged regarding it. At any one time 10,000 people working on the architecture, intending to make sure each trim level really differentiated from the others, and that true quality rang through. The 134.1 – inch wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer than on the outgoing model, and the overall length is up 1.3 inches to a current 225.7 inches. This is also the first time that the Suburban gets a multilink independent rear suspension, and when paired with the longer wheelbase, creating a true packaging masterpiece.

Cargo room grows by 1.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and at the push of a button, the second and third-row seats flatten. This boosts the maximum cargo room to 144.7 feet, an expansion of 23 feet more than the outgoing model. The Magnetic Ride Control feature is still present, and the damping system is now standard on Premier and High Country, as well as an option on Z71. Air Ride offers the means of leveling a huge load at all four corners and can make adjustments to the vehicle height by 4.0 inches.
Engine options are both V8s: the 355 hp, 383 lb-ft 5.3-liter, and the 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2-liter, and the active fuel management system is now replaced by the more efficient Dynamic Fuel Management. With the larger size and weight of the new Suburban, having this on deck helps with keeping fuel economy in check, with the most fuel-efficient option being the new Duramax 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel available on all models but the Z71. It generates 277 hp, and 460 lb-ft of torque.

This is the only full-size SUV in the nation with a diesel option, and these SUVs will be built in Arlington Texas, where there is a brand-new paint shop and body shop to accommodate the construction. One of the coolest features in existence for long-haul travelers is seen from the back seat: there are available 12.6-inch screens on the backs of the two front seats that allow for shared content, or each passenger choosing their own entertainment.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Hotcars.com Stacks the Camaro up Against the Corvette

The Hotcars.com staff were definitely correct when they asserted on their blog this past week that anyone anywhere who loves cars is familiar with Chevy's two greats: the Camaro and the Corvette. The pair differs greatly from each other in terms of appearance, performance, and character, as well as their target audience. Here are some fine points about both that will help anyone on their way to see us at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson for the holidays to make their decision.


The Idea: The Corvette , by all means, an all and out sports car: with clean lines, a low-riding nose, and other qualities that have it constantly hugging the road. Those who want the Corvette are true fans of the American sports car and are consumed with a need for speed. The Camaro has always been a muscle car, and while eye-popping and masculine, it does not have some of the “topped out” sensations that a 'Vette offers.

Current Models: During 66 years of production, there has never been a mid-engined Corvette,  and so this year's particular model is off-the-charts different and new. It has the best balance and road handling that it ever has, and plenty of added space as well. The current model Camaro is a conventional front-engined build with a muscular front and grille and is going to wow fans that love consistency and a slightly retro feel.

The Power: The base 2020 Camaro is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, cranking out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This maxes out at all the way upwards of 650 horsepower dependent on trim level, assuring that the Camaro has zero similarities to a snail. Inside this year's Corvette is the 6.2-liter V8 that generates 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, but it's not always JUST about power: this is the very first Corvette that can do 0 to 60 mph in a flat 2.9 seconds! 

The Competition: The closest rivals to the Corvette come in the forms of the Acura NSX, Audi R8, Nissan GT – R, and the Porsche 911. None of these cars are American, and they are all far pricier. The Camaro is a solid rival for the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger, the case of the Detroit Three itself. All of these are tied much closer together in the price range factor, and you simply have to hash out which features do and don't add up for your needs.

Tech Features: It's safe to say for this year that the Corvette leads the way as far as tech innovations. Aside from the first in the mid-engined department, there's a self-raising nose that can be programmed by GPS, and can store 1,000 locations. If you've narrowed everything down to the point where you know the Camaro is your final choice, the Available Technology Package includes the Chevy infotainment system with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen and Bose premium audio system.

The Racing: The Camaro is the winner of the 1971 and 1973 Australian Touring Car Championships, and was also featured as the official car of the International Race of Champions. The Camaro ZL2 has nabbed numerous Daytona 500 titles, and next year will be Chevy's racer for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup. The Corvette has been a Le Mans winner as well as at the 24 Hours of Daytona – plus it has been the Indianapolis pace car 15 times. Both of these cars are known for victory on the track: we feel the Camaro's Daytona 500 Titles may slightly nudge it to the lead in this department, but as with anything, it can come down to personal preference when it's all said and done!

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Team-up With Carhartt To Soon Yield Special-Edition Chevy Pickup


All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson get asked by customers very frequently about show trucks: with off-road and urban-styled variants coming out of the gate and onto the lot so fast, there's a lot to love for every taste. It has now been announced that Chevy is introducing a Carhartt Special Edition of the Silverado HD pickup in 2020 after the response has been so positive to a series of show trucks the two have already completed together in recent years. Founded in 1889, Carhartt began as a unique work-wear manufacturer for railroad workers and has sprouted successfully from there.

Based on the 2500 LTZ crew cab, this new model comes equipped with the Z51 off-road package and will be offered only in black while featuring Carhartt gold stripes logos. The black leather upholstery is accented with inserts that draw inspiration from Carhartt Brown signature jackets, and the brand's logo is well-placed into a rollup bed cover. One reason the mashup between these two brands is so special is that Carhartt has long been recognized as a unit that makes accessories so durable you can take them to any remote and rugged corner of the globe.
If you are looking for the coolest Christmas presents ever, you can look here on their site for some of the most rugged and unique wallets and belts out there. Or, you can come straight down to our showroom and test-drive America's favorite truck, the Silverado 1500. One of our bestselling models, it is the base that special editions such as this one with Carhartt begin with and brandishes responsive handling with high dependability on the daily. When you shop for the upcoming holidays at our dealership, you can save up to thousands of dollars on our gigantic array of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The gift of reliable transportation is one that provides not only peace of mind, but the ability for a student or growing family to be productive and punctual. Just as much as we love to watch the YouTube videos showing veterans coming back to surprise their families for the holidays, we love to imagine the smile on a gift recipient's face when they see brand-new wheels at their disposal! We will keep our ears to the ground to check on the development of further partnership truck models such as this one, and have been astounded in every way to watch the progression of the full-size truck as it reached the lofty heights it now resides at today!

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Off-Road Enthusiast's Foresight: Chevy Silverado ZRX Spy Shots Via GM Authority


As the fall season has been upon us here for a month or so at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson, it has been evident that the customers are interacting with are telling us just how much they love off-road trucks. The larger-sized Silverado refuses to be left out of the party, and a ZRX variant is now underway. The staff on duty at GM Authority came up with some of the very first spy shots here to prove it, with incredibly trail-ready tires and looking like it could climb boulders at the drop of a hat.

Back in August, GM Authority was also on the scene to report a fresh trademark filing for the ZRX name, both in the U.S. And Canada. Then the next month it was reported that the ZRX name would be given to this new Silverado slated to fit in the lineup above the Trail Boss. These spy shots seem to show an early development model, based on the LT Trail Boss model. This can be seen by checking out the designations on the bed and tailgate, as well as the overall stance and appearance.

The front bumper is much shorter than on any other Silverado to come before it, and it is minus the fog lights found on the LT Trail Boss. This is an element that will help with approach angle, and a metal bar you can spot protruding from said bumper may be linked to upgraded suspension components needed underneath. The rear end looks pretty similar to the current LT Trail Boss, and this may change as development progresses. As was outlined in their full report, the ZRX is supposed to offer a large suspension setup graced with DSSV dampers from MultiMatic, front and  rear electronic lockers, and new bumpers to improve pickup and departure angles.

Powertrains are not at this time expected to see an upgrade, as the source has been said to be the naturally-aspirated 6.2-LiterV8 L87 EcoTec3 engine. The brand-new GM 10-speed automatic transmission will be responsible for shifting duties, and it is a possibility that the new ZRX may offer the turbodiesel 3.0-Liter LM2 inline-six Duramax engine.

What really excites us is that this is ultimately the mean and off-road-ready truck slated to go up against the Ford F-150 Raptor, and when this vehicle was spotted, the driver peeled out faster than any the team had seen in quite some time. Quite clearly, this model was not meant to easily meet the public eye so soon. We will keep you posted here on the blog and let you know when we receive more information about this coming go-anywhere Goliath in the making!


Monday, October 21, 2019

2020 Chevy Corvette Motor Authority First Drive Review Highlights Vehicle that “Fantastically Pushes the Envelope”


The Motor Authority testing staff were situated on the outskirts of Ann Arbor, Michigan last week on a crisp fall day on an open road with no one else around. The fantastic and feature-rich vehicle they were getting ready to drive was one that we have been plenty excited about for months here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson: the brand new 2020 mid-engined Chevy Corvette. Mike Hurley is the vehicle dynamics engineer who is along for the ride and gleefully tells driver Kirk Bell to move the mode selector dial to “Track” and engage the Performance Traction Management System before the run.
 

With his left foot on the brake, he expertly pinned the throttle and the 495-horsepower LT2 6.2-liter V-8 revved on up to 3,500 rpm and stayed there for a brief and purgatorial moment. He then gripped the square steering wheel “for dear life” as the 305-mm wide Michelin Pilot Sport 45 rear tires slipped maybe a quarter turn, and the new 'Vette took off brandishing a power level and efficiency that no factory Corvette has ever possessed. As he lurched forward he documents zero pause in power between gears and agrees wholeheartedly that 0-60 mph probably flies by in 3.0 seconds or less.

The perpendicular force that is exerted between the car and the road is now distributed so that 60 percent of the weight is on the rear tires on the new model, the car can exert more normal force on the road with its drive axle capabilities and quicker acceleration. Recognizing the difficulty that exists in making a car that can handle the road as well as track, Mike claimed that both jobs are handled with ease. The V-8's noisy rumble is not quite as loud as the C7s if you are just cruising around the neighborhood, but if you throw the car in Track mode, you get the enjoyment of the orchestral bellow.
Here it is conveyed that the new Corvette steers with true purpose and always feels direct, and the interior takes a high-quality leap forward from the C7's. The gang here had the 3LT package that adds a 14-speaker Bose audio system, front and rear vision cameras, a head-up display, top-line heated and cooled GT2 bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and the Chevy Performance Data Recorder that records video and reports all sorts of juicy vital stats.
Instead of sitting so low with a high hood and the scoop blocking the view like the ZR1, the driver now looks down the fender line out of a windshield that is much more open. As the crew winded down after their Michigan drive, what they yearned for most was some time of a California canyon road: It is so very exciting that an American legend changed so much for the better in the form of the brand-new C8, and there will be many more tales of taking it down the road for a wildly high-octane spin to come!

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Chevy Silverado 1500 Departs to Laughlin Classic Desert Racing Series


With a variety of off-road races taking place on some of the toughest terrain in the nation, the U.S. Best in the Desert series offers up a long line of endlessly exciting events. The action takes place from October 10-13, when ATVs, trucks, and cars all forge their way on a 17-mile loop. Best in the Desert is now proud to have over 35 years of storied history within the racing community to its name. Legendary racing icon Casey Folks founded the series in 1984 and it soon grew to include 4-wheel vehicles and was recognized by the early 2000s as the world's premier off-road racing series.
Our beloved Chevy Silverado truck followed the Colorado ZR2 into the Best in the Desert Racing Series that kicked off at the Laughlin Desert Classic on the 10th. The Silverado race truck that will brave the distance is based off an LT Trail Boss truck and is set to compete in Desert's 1200 Stock class. It will be backed for power by the 6.2-liter V-8 that's good for 420 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. To be properly prepared for the Baja-style challenge, the race truck sports a long-travel suspension, front and rear shocks, and set of prototype high-capacity Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve off-road dampers.

Both The Colorado ZR2 and the Silverado scheduled to be driven by Frank D'Angelo can be spotted at the Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino in Nevada. There are currently plans underway to race both trucks during 2020, and it's pretty safe to assume that we'll see these two up close and personal at SEMA in November. When it first began the Best in the Desert consisted of two events: the World Championship Hare and Hound and the Las Vegas 300.

In 1987, it was established as an organization with a full series featuring three races: the World Championship Hare and Hound, Las Vegas 300, and US Hare Scrambles Championship. During 1989 the series grew even further as it then saw the addition of the Mesquite Gran Prix. As ATV popularity grew nationwide, the Best in the Desert introduced 4-wheel vehicles with the Inaugural Vegas to Reno event. Between 1997 and 1999 the series began to get rid of motorcycle-only events, and introduced the 7-day “Race into the Millennium” during 2000.
5 years ago the various partnerships and success grew once again when Mad Media came on board to the series and it now includes the UTV World Championship. All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson are going to be glued to our web browsers to see how these two durable and off-road-ready trucks fare during this test, and hope that everyone has fun watching this true test of outdoor driving prowess!

Monday, September 30, 2019

Chevy Silverado Enjoys Embracing the Dark Side With New Rally and Midnight Editions


This year at the State Fair of Texas, our beloved Bowtie brand introduced the 2020 Silverado Midnight and Rally special editions. Both of these models complete the job well of providing the perfect mix of trim to allow for the perfect sense of customization and were developed after listening closely to consumers about the extra doses of character that they wanted most in the Silverado. The Midnight Edition boasts a two-inch suspension lift, and some Z71 goodies such as Ranch mono-tube shocks, automatic locking rear differential, skid plates, and 18-inch painted wheels with Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.



It also adds jet black pieces for the grille, bumpers, exhaust tips, side steps, and badges, with the well-contrasted addition of red tow hooks injecting a unique additive of flavor. The Midnight Edition is available on the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss trims, with the LT Trail Boss version seeing the power source of the 6.2-liter V8. It's paired to a 10-speed automatic and haplessly cranks out 420 horsepower along with 460 lb-ft of torque. The Custom Trail Boss is available with this powertrain or a 5.3-liter V8 paired to a six-speed automatic.

The Silverado Rally Edition is available in Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, and Summit White exterior colors. The body wears a body-color grille on top of black stripes along the hood and tailgate. You get black elements for the exhaust tips, side steps, and badges, and the Custom trim level Special Edition is now rolling on 20-inch black wheels while the RST grade sits on 22-inch wheels. Orders can be placed through us right here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson beginning in October, and deliveries should begin before the end of this year.

Those out there who are already wild about trucks have tons of love for the Z71 Off-Road package, which makes signing up for the Midnight special edition a no-brainer. Right here in Arizona, we have a multitude of terrain that is begging for a truck with a bit of extra clearance and suspension to tackle boulder-climbing and tree roots that command conquering ability. You'll be thrilled every single time you head off the highway into no man's land, and pleased with the level of performance and agility. 

The Rally Edition is a well-crafted example of a very capable and equipped workhorse with slightly more city-derived vibes at the core. We fully believe that it is the well-armed weapon to do battle against the Ram's new fleet that has enjoyed high marks for interior noise reduction and overall luxury, and possesses the perfect swagger to provide a great urban option. You won't have to worry about being noticed immediately while headed on your way, as the stature of the Silverado is commanding, show-stealing, and constantly haul-ready!

Monday, July 15, 2019

Soon-To-Be-Released C8 Corvette's Squared-Off Steering Wheel Featured on Roadshow Blog


With the Corvette C8 reveal a mere few days away, every little scrap of content gleaned about this exciting new car's release has been sought after! We've seen the spy shots, heard many reasons why this is going to be such a great design, and now everyone on staff here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson is simply just waiting for coverage of the exciting day. On July 12, Chevy published the first official image of the 2020 C8 Corvette's steering wheel, a detail that many were excited to feast their eyes on.


It appears at first glance a bit more like what's on board the Ford GT than the outgoing C7 model: there are only two spokes on the wheel, each moving downwards to the logo flags in a flipped sense. Below each spoke is where the audio controls are, and a few limited switches are situated right on the spokes themselves. There is a fairly large space above the wheel hub that the Roadshow staff thought was a bit odd, but could be practical if there is the future existence of a very large digital gauge cluster.

Chevy also released an image of prior models' steering wheels just to provide an accurate idea of how much it has changed over the years. When you take a look back at the first- and second-generation Corvette wheels they are about as normal and straightforward as can be, but airbags and other elements would get in the way if they were to be replicated today. The last time there was a two-spoke wheel it was planted in the C4, which also sported a digital dashboard filling in the open space that was one of our personal favorites. It will be interesting to see just what Chevy does with the interior next, as everything else has been quite radical and pioneering in terms of this release!

July 18 at 7:30 P.M. Is when the C8 makes its debut, and you can actually follow along on the live stream here from GM! Some of the concepts that have come off the drawing boards since mid-engined became a thing are truly amazing: The 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 shown here looks like what the most perfectly-cut diecast or “Hot Wheels” car would be: having all of the supercharged goods fully visible right behind the driver looks menacing yet smooth and vintage.

The curved accents on the 1986 mid-engine Indy Corvette concept are also futuristic and have a great sense of flow at a glance, and this was one attempt that looks a bit Ferrari-esque as does the C8 slated to be released this week. More than 60 years of engineers mulling over something that has finally become more than a daydream is exciting to any dedicated track fan, and this year makes the mark as one that will always go down in history regarding the Salacious and show-stealing Corvette!

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Green Car Reports “Runs for the Hills” On a Colorado Day Trip With the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV




The State of Colorado has taken many steps to adopt the same EV mandate that California has, and it is a region that grapples with a slightly different monster than some: altitude. Here lies the absolute highest portions of our great nation's interstate highway system, including routes rising past 11,000 feet and with some of the most unforgiving terrain in existence. Even with a large number of cars like our prized Chevy Bolt EV now offering up over 200 miles of EPA-estimated range, the steep lengthy grades here have proven to be quite a challenge.

Well-seasoned contributor Andrew Ganz from esteemed Greencarreports.com blog took on the hearty and high-mountain range roving job of heading from Mile High City Denver to Frisco, up in some of the most unspoiled and scenic country in existence close to the jaw-dropping vistas of the Continental Divide. He set off in a 2019 Chevy Bolt, knowing that the full charge would carry him to his needed destination, but not positive he could make it back without the assistance of a plug-in charge. A DC fast charger will soon take up residence in this gorgeous mountain town, but currently, the only solution is a 240-volt level 2 charger.



After passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel at about 11,150 feet above sea level, Andrew pulled over to eat at Whole Foods, after happily taking advantage of the seat and steering wheel heaters during temperatures that hovered around freezing. As the sun finally began to shine a bit more and the temperature warmed to around 40 degrees, it was now appropriate to shut off the climate control, and 20 miles were immediately added to the estimated range displayed in the instrument cluster. There he enjoyed his meal and the stirring visuals of Lake Dillon, situated near a backdrop of picturesque and tranquil mountains that fueled the mining boom during the town's early days.

The astounding truth about this jaunt is that when he finally rolled up to his house 144 miles later, the Bolt's instrument cluster registered just one bar below a half charge, and a very surprising 130 miles of range to go. During 65 miles driven from the tunnel at the top of the mountains back down to Denver, the Bolt added 43 miles of range. This test was one that all of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson had our eyes on: as the premise of electric power becomes more and more commonplace, many who are ready to buy the Bolt are wondering how it really performs when the highway miles begin to encompass the daily duty.



This test of the car that took place within a location where incline is an intense factor and being stuck on the side of the road would put a huge damper on the day's productivity really did provide keen insight: the Bolt is absolutely capable of conquering an out-of-town excursion without any “charge jitters.” Come pay us a visit this spring and check out what the future will bring: times are changing fast, and torque and horsepower specs are not going to be left limping along behind!

Monday, March 18, 2019

Motor1.com Delivers Scoops on Chevy Equinox Spy Shots Revealing Exciting Updates




When customers begin to get curious and ask us questions here at O'Rielly Chevy regarding the details of vehicles that are slated for release in the coming days, spy shots are one of the best assets we have to clue us in on the particulars. Even though the cars are usually covered up to hide the most obvious traits revealing new features and updates, they can serve the purpose of giving us an idea of what to expect at first glance, and how they behave while making their way down the road in everyday traffic.

When we get the notifications that our inboxes have received new messages, we always get a bit excited when any of them may lead to photos that show us what the cars of the future will look like! Manufacturers go to great lengths to keep their prototypes secret, and until reveals at large car shows take place, these are the avenues where you can begin to imagine just how cool the next year's fleet will be. New spy shots we got our hands on shown here suggest that an updated Chevy Equinox will soon be on the way, with two different test models seen at GM's Milford Proving Grounds.

Both of them have similar amounts of camouflage at the front and rear, and with the center section uncovered, many think that Chevy's engineers are preparing a thorough model refresh as opposed to a completely new generation. The Equinox with the uncovered center appears to have a more aggressive and lower front fascia than the crossover in full camo, and the partially hidden model sports different wheels. Both appear to have the same placeholder pieces for the headlights, and one test mule has dual exhausts at each corner, rather than the concealed outlets or pair of trapezoidal finishers the current model features.

We now speculate that the engine range for the Equinox would remain the same, but the engineers may be hard at work trying to tweak the outputs a bit. The nine-speed gearbox found in the Blazer could also be used, and the latest infotainment, as well as safety tech, will likely be on board to assure the Equinox keeps up with the constantly-changing crossover category. Many reviews on Cars.com dole out the praise for their current-year models: the stellar highway mileage, convenient additional storage under the rear floor, and dual temperature zones are among the favored features that new owners are raving about.

This is the perfect-for-the-times crossover that brandishes pep off the line that people can't believe derives from a 4-cylinder, and one that new owners can't wait to embark on a long trip with! “Sher” from Carlisle, OH claimed that she had “never owned a vehicle with this many features,” and that owning an Equinox completely re-defined and made overly fun even the most routine of errands!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

WhichCar.com Blog Provides the Scoop on C8 Corvette Cluster Headed up by GM Boss




Last week in this video posted by California-based realtor George Kenner, six C8 Corvettes are spotted driving along a road in Yuma, Arizona. Covered in camouflage as many spy shots and videos are, you can still make out enough visuals to stoke the imagination a bit and envision how exciting the fantastic and high-powered C8 will be when it arrives on the lot here at O'rielly Chevy of Tucson. Just after the 8:38 mark is where Mark Reuss can be spotted with a hefty smile on his face, enjoying the raw ability and power of the C8, and obviously enjoying killing it at his new responsibilities after being appointed president of GM earlier this year.

At the tail end of the fleet is the current C7 Corvette model, which the videographer thought for a split-second was an Audi R8, due to the clear mid-engined proportions that catch your eye first. Reports gleaned previously from Motor and Wheels Australia have gradually alluded to the final word regarding the next-generation Corvette, which has already been officially shown to Chevy dealers nationwide. Different leaked documents and computer-generated drawings lead many experts to believe that 4 different V8 engine configurations are likely for the C8.

The 6.2-liter LT1 V8 will most likely be one option, and a turbocharged 5.5-liter unit with a hybrid system will also likely be in the works. The folks on duty at the Road and Track blog had a great feature last month chock full of details regarding the arrival of the C8, and here you get to see a cool video of a fleet of five C8s testing in the snow-covered mountains of California. At this point, we are still under the impression that the car won't debut until early summer of this year, and some are keeping their eyes on the New York Auto show in April.

When we mull over the many various reasons we have to be thrilled about the coming of the C8, the time spent innovating and designing the engine is one of the elements at the top of the list. Many hours of studying and testing were put into the design of the cover that has been made with aiding cooling in mind, which may be why the rear of the car was always seen covered so frequently during testing. Another batch of photos featuring the C8 testing on the famed Nürburgring track revealed two very distinct cut lines on the roof, which makes us wonder if a removable roof panel will be part of this very exciting and track-ready contender.

Another patent that was dug up while gleaning the various newswires was one that GM filed for a clutch-by-wire system: it could potentially replace the traditional hydraulic master-and-slave cylinder mechanism by means of a high-tech electronic actuator situated in the transmission. A system like this would ultimately result in a much simpler actuation of the clutch, which would be of great benefit to a prototype featuring an engine located in the middle of the frame. We are definitely excited about the potential of seeing a run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans once this slice of heavily-horsepowered heaven hits the market, and we will all soon see the vision materialize that spanned half a century and many various drawing boards during the making!

Monday, February 25, 2019

2020 Silverado HD's Mammoth Towing Capacity Outlined in Autoblog.com




Just before its reveal at Chicago Auto Show, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD was proudly presented at an event in Flint, Michigan. The folks on staff at Autoblog.com now claim that this truck comes aptly armed with the ability to tow an astounding 35,000 pounds. This is more than just a casually notable increase, as it resides at a total increase of 52 percent. Payload is way up as well, now sitting at a very able and agile 7,466 pounds. Everyone here on duty at O'Rielly Chevy is consistently in awe at the power source that makes this all possible: the monstrous Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8.



Producing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, there is now a larger 28-inch mechanical fan on board to keep the hard-working diesel engine cool. GM is actively pairing this engine with the brand-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, and the engine boasts a very modern and high-tech trait: it has the “smarts” to protect itself after a huge haul. If it's too hot after the completion of a heavy job, a message located in the cluster will tell the driver to keep the engine on, and if that nudge is ignored, the remote-start system will automatically engage to cool the engine down accordingly.



Every single component located between the wheels and transmission have been upgraded heartily to take on the brunt of the increased towing load. The prop shaft is now 30 percent larger, and the box ladder frame as well as axles have an increased rigidity and toughness to fully weather the most demanding of drives. Tell us which proposed grille from these images here is your favorite, as everyone who loves driving the Silverado has for the most part loved the “big and bigger” mantra that has been the defining vibe of annual grille evolution! Much painstaking effort has been put into making this truck tow-friendly, and the Ram Heavy Duty as well as 2019 Ford Super Duty numbers were outdone in terms of the revamp.



When hard-working people from all walks of life tell us what they need in a truck, many of the solutions stem from the abundance of modern camera angles. Just a decade or so ago you could not have access to valuable sight lines that literally protect your investment, and keep you safe during harrowing backups and beyond. We are very proud of our new trailering system that provides up to 15 camera angles, with one of them being the “transparent trailer” view that aids you in viewing any obstacles in the rear. It's also imperative that you check out the brand-new Park Grade Hold Assist Feature: with it you can now use all four service brakes to ensure the truck's held stoppage on a hill while carrying a heavy load. If chrome happens to be your thing, make sure to feast your eyes on the LT and LTZ trims: they don't skimp on the royal silver treatment, and up the ante for appearance on the Silverado to the nines!

Monday, February 11, 2019

2020 Silverado HD's Otherworldly Towing Ability Outlined By Jalopnik.com



As the month of February is open up here in Tucson, those who were the most eager to get their hands on a new car or truck have most definitely had time to look at the specs, figure out trim preferences, and get ready to test drive! The 2019 models are where most have their sights, and the group of trucks that are eagerly making their way off the lot into happy new owners' hands. However, the full lineup of 2020 Chevy Silverado HD trucks was featured on the Jalopnik blog this week, making some think about the bounty that will roll of the trucks ready for use after another season's wait.

This trusty bunch will now be available with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel with 910 lb-ft of torque, and capable of a staggering max tow payload of 35,000 pounds! This is a whopping 52 percent improvement over the outgoing model, and it all was able to take place because of a large number of changes made to the engine, as well as the rest of the truck. The frame of the ladder is now stiffer, the axles, as well as prop shaft, are larger, and there's a label that specifies curb weight, gross vehicle weight rating, gross axle weight rating, and max payload specific to each model. Every truck is now longer, wider, and taller, while also boasting a greater amount of space inside.



If you don't choose to go with the option of the 445 horsepower, 910 lb-ft of torque turbo-diesel paired to the ten-speed automatic, there is also the choice of a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine, which can easily cook up 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, and flaunts an 18-percent towing capacity gain over the current model. The new lineup will be offered in five different trims. The Work Truck variant sports the black grille bar behind the familiar Chevy namesake, and the Custom Trim which is only available on the 2500 model receives the body-colored grille bar, LT and LTZ Trims get super-cool chrome accents, and the High Country offers up the pleasantly menacing big bow tie grille.

The diesel models will see larger hood scoops, as well as Duramax decals, and there will also be a new, larger bed-side step that's now rated for 500 pound-capability. Materializing some of the most practical yet ingenious new tech out there, a new 15-angle trailer camera setup is also on board, with a feature that allows you to see right through the trailer being towed. There are snow plow attachment points in the front for those who have to deal with the dreaded white stuff from time to time, and a new Park Grade Hold Assist that activates all four brakes at once.



There truly is a war at hand in the truck world, and the most payload, torque, and towing ability are alluring qualities. Next year's batch of burly Silverados does not want to represent anything close to what the smart car/small sedan category evokes: the “bigger is best” mantra is going to long hold heavy sentiment and ruggedly tough presence here at O'Rielly!